Asian auto manufacturers have been growing in popularity in the American vehicle market and it’s for good reason. Brands out of Asia, particularly from China, South Korea, and Japan, have growing good reputations for reliability, affordability, innovation, high resale value, and fuel efficiency. Their market performance is strong enough to rival US and European carmakers and this trajectory shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
One of these major brands is about to launch a model in the United States that will thrill American fans who have been waiting with anticipation to find out if it will be released at home. In case you were trying to guess, it’s not a Toyota, Subaru, BYD, or Honda, but it is a Japanese model.
Mazda has a new offering for the US market and it’s expected to be a winner
Mazda’s reputation in the United States is as strong as it is at home, being known for stylish aesthetics and fuel efficiency and offering an exciting driving experience. Mazdas are designed to be smaller than Hondas or Toyotas, yet they lack nothing in their delivery of safety features, premium design, and performance dynamics.
In terms of Mazda’s American market performance, it doesn’t see the sales that bigger Japanese names Nissan, Toyota, or Honda rack up, but its customer base is loyal and set to grow with its new release.
The 2025 Mazda 3 is coming to America and it’s likely to spread joy
Get ready—here comes the Mazda 3! This model is a compact car that’s remained a top player in its class over the years with few changes to its strong original version. The fourth-generation iteration has been on sale since 2019 and is classed in the Small Product Group, the same class as the MX-30, CX-30, and CX-50 models.
The Mazda 3 is available as a hatchback or sedan, opening itself up to a wider pool of drivers with different space needs. In either form, the 3’s looks are beyond what you’d expect from a vehicle in its price range, one of the most attractive drawcards of the model.
Mazda 3 drivers can choose from the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Premium, or Turbo
The 2025 Mazda 3 is available in three versions:
- 2.5 S: Automatic transmission with front-wheel drive standard, but all-wheel drive is optional.
- 2.5 S Premium: Manual transmission and only all-wheel drive is available.
- Turbo: Automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive.
This means that drivers who have their hearts set on a standard manual transmission will have to go for the 2.5 S Premium. Its sporty nature comes with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four engine that has an output of 191 hp and 186 lb-ft. The hatchback is combined with a powerful engine that delivers peak driver satisfaction in its manual form.
The automatic-only Mazda 3 Turbo, however, delivers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft, enough power to satisfy anyone seeking the thrill of the drive.
The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S carbon edition AWD sedan comes in at a base price of $30,795 in the US. An optional navigation system can be had for an additional $500.
Pros and cons of the Mazda 3
These are some of the drawcards of the Mazda 3:
- Engaging driver experience
- Smooth manual transmission
- Top quality interior
- Stylish aesthetics
- Balanced handling
- Intuitive and comfortable controls
- Good steering feedback
There are a couple of drawbacks with the Mazda 3, though:
- Limited rear visibility
- Limited rear legroom
- Lower fuel efficiency than similar models in its class
- Limited manual transmission availability
- Low infotainment usability
- Rigid ride experience
If you’re in the market for a new sporty, zippy, eye-catching model that will deliver the drive experience that the Japanese brand is so well known for, then the Mazda 3 is for you. If you’re looking for a second-hand car instead, then you can check out this list of the most affordable used vehicle buys in 2025, which features a different Mazda model that performs well.
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